Politics in Portugal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Politics in Portugal - Essay Example In 1974, a left-wing military coup installed broad democratic reforms. The following year, Portugal granted independence to all of its African colonies. Portugal is a founding member of NATO and entered the EC (now the EU) in 1986† (CIA – World Fact Book) During the past 3 000 years, Portugal has witnessed a constant ebb and flow of civilisations. Phoenician, Greek, Celt, Carthaginian, Roman and Arabic cultures have all left their imprint.(Europa) This paper details the politically relevant history, economy, culture and political situations of Portugal. Julius Caesar and Augustus conquered the province of Lusitania which was occupied by the early tribal people of Portugal. The territory adopted Roman ways of living and the language of Portuguese took its root from Latin. The invasion by Romans happened in the period of 1000 B.C. In the early 8th century Moors conquered the Iberian Peninsula in which the early territory of Portugal was situated from Visigoths – the Germanic invaders. Muslim culture had its own impact and resulted in a large minority getting converted into Muslims. (Encyclopedia) Portuguese nation was created by the re-conquest of the territory by the Christians. The Moors were driven out of the territory by the King of Asturias during the 8th century. Alfonso VI of Castile is a key person in the Portuguese history and with the aid of France he won the war against the Moors to retain control over the Portuguese land. The dynasty descended with Henry of Burgundy and his son Alfonso Henriques who styled himself Alfonso I, King of Portugal. The country was recognized by Spain in the year 1143 and by Pope in the year 1179. The rule of A great task of recapturing other regions of Portugal from Moors was placed on the successors of Alfonso. The country of Portugal witnessed continuous strife ridden days because of the conflicts between